"Ah, thou art squirming," said he, putting his hand on the back of the she fox. "There is such a vile nature in thee, that not only must thou eat, but commit murder also. Catch her, Filus, by the tail, and bite her if she does any injury--Adveniat regnum Tuum--Oh such a daughter! Thou wouldst say, I know, that men are glad too, to eat partridges; but know this, that a man gives them peace during fast days, while in thee the soul of that vile Luther is sitting, for thou wouldst eat meat on good Friday--Fiat voluntas Tua--Trus! trus! trus!--sicut in coelo--here are both one with the other!--et in terra." And thus speaking he threw the cabbage and then the grain, scolding the doves somewhat that, though spring was not near yet, they walked around one another frequently, cooing and strutting.
At last, when he had emptied the bag he rose, raised the lantern, and was preparing to go, when Yatsek appeared on the threshold.
"Ah, Yatsus!" cried the priest, "art thou here--what art thou doing so early?"
Yatsek kissed the priest's hand, and answered,--
"I have come to confession, my benefactor, and at early mass I should like to approach the Lord's table."
"To confession? That is well, but what has so urged thee? Tell, but right off, for this is not without reason."
"I will tell truly. I must fight a duel this day, and since in fighting with five men an accident is more likely than with one, I should like to clear my soul of offences."
"With five men? God's wounds! But what didst thou do to them?"
"It is just this: that I did nothing. They sought a quarrel, and they have challenged me."
"Who are they?"